Page 31 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

I need Layla to be quiet. “Tell Archer I said hi.”

“I will. Are you sure you’re okay? I mean, it kinda sounds like someone is trying to hurt you.”

“I’m fine. Just being careful.”

He nods but doesn’t look convinced. “Have a great day.”

As soon as he walks out, I face Layla. “You make me sound crazy! And what was all the really-good-friend bit about?”

“First of all—you’re welcome. I saved you from embarrassment because that man was going to ask you out. I could just tell.” She rests her hands on her hips. “Plus, I didn’t want him going around saying your name to everyone in case your mother dearest is still around town. I’m trying to protect you.”

“I appreciate that you are trying to keep me safe. But he wasn’t going to ask me out, Layla. Seriously.”

Huffing, she shakes her head. “You think a few extra pounds make you invisible to men. News flash! They don’t.”

I can’t even think of a worthy retort. “I’m going to go clean up and prep everything for tomorrow. I’ll stay out of sight.”

Layla can tell me a million times that a few extra pounds don’t matter and that I’m pretty, and I’ll still doubt that she’s not just saying that because she’s my friend. Besides, I don’t care if guys find me attractive. Archer’s opinion is what matters, and other than a couple of hugs, he keeps his distance. I’m not sure if it’s the hurt or the extra weight that’s the reason. Either way, it’s definitely my fault. Maybe I should hope it’s the weight because a successful diet plan is slightly more possible than a time machine. Although a time machine might solve both issues.

Layla shoos me toward the kitchen. “Better hurry. I see a horde of firemen coming.”

I duck into the back before the bell jingles. Hiding isn’t the least bit fun anymore.

CHAPTER12

ARCHER

Anderson strolls into the mess hall and sets boxes of donuts on the counter. “This is the breakfast dessert, Ms. Ava.”

She shakes her head. “Y’all will never get enough of those donuts, will you?”

“No, ma’am.” He fills his plate with eggs, bacon, and hash browns, then grabs his coffee. After a quick scan of the table, he sits next to me. “Guess who I met.”

With donuts on the counter and a lead-in like that, it’s not hard to tell that he’s talking about Lettie. “At the donut shop?”

“Yeah, and thanks to the other lady working there, I didn’t put my foot in my mouth.” He scrunches up his nose and gives me an apologetic look. “But, in my defense, you never told me what Lettie looked like, so I didn’t know. I bet you’re glad she showed up as your neighbor.”

“Foot in your mouth? What do you mean?” As the words leave my mouth, his meaning becomes clear. “You were going to ask her out?”

“Well, not now. Obviously. Because I’m pretty sure dating your friend’s ex violates some cowboy code. Plus, you know where I live.” He flashes a smile. “I’m sure I’ll meet some other cute, curvy woman around here at some point.”

“Was she okay? Nothing weird at the shop?”

He drops his voice even lower. “Is she running from the mob or something? The other worker seemed really concerned about her safety. We could rally the guys, and all take shifts at the donut shop.”

“She isn’t running from the mob. Just her mom. It’s not the best situation. But don’t make a big deal out of it.”

He chuckles. “Someone needs to tell the other worker that.”

“Who was it? What did she look like?”

“Don’t know what she looked like. She had a ring on.”

“Could be Tessa or Layla, but that sounds more like Layla. She’s concerned for her friend.” I pick up my plate. “And yeah, I do like having Lettie as a neighbor.”

“Figured.” Anderson grins.

I’m thankful that the hum of conversation in the room kept others from hearing us, and I’m also glad that I opened up to Anderson about the situation when we chatted in the barn the other day. I’m still not ready to jump into a relationship with her again since I don’t know why the first one ended, but having someone cheering me on isn’t a bad thing.

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